Democratic Party Approval Rating Drops 6.0%p, People Power Party Rises 4.5%p…Realmeter CEO Accused of Bias

Recent polls indicate that the Democratic Party's approval rating fell by 6.0 percentage points, while the People Power Party's rose by 4.5 percentage points. In particular, the Democratic Party experienced a sharp 11.7 percentage point decline among those aged 70 and above. These changes are expected to significantly impact the overall political landscape.

The CEO of polling agency Realmeter is facing accusations of bias for regularly appearing on a specific YouTube broadcast and making political statements. Critics argue that it is inappropriate for a polling organization to express concern over a particular party's declining approval rating as if it were an ally. This has raised doubts about the credibility of the poll results.

Controversy has arisen over allegations that the Ministry of National Defense's report to the president regarding military academy integration contained false overseas examples. Minister Ahn Gyu-baek reported that several countries, including Israel, have officer training systems, but Representative Seong Il-jong countered this by citing examples like Russia and China. The debate continues regarding the mention of Israel's case, raising questions about the credibility of the Ministry of National Defense's report. Doubts are growing as to why a false report was made.

In the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee, Representative Kim Tae-gyu referred to Representative Kim Min-seok as 'Mr. Kim Min-seok,' sparking controversy. Representative Kim Tae-gyu argued that his form of address was not problematic, citing an instance where Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae was referred to as 'Mr. Cho Hee-dae.' However, this form of address was interpreted as having political attack intentions and drew criticism for being inappropriate.

Representative Park Kyun-taek was seen reprimanding Representative Kim Tae-gyu, mentioning age and seniority, which drew criticism. Representative Park Kyun-taek emphasized his seniority, referring to Representative Kim Tae-gyu as his junior, but Representative Kim Tae-gyu strongly countered, calling it 'peddling a family tree.' The host criticized this behavior, pointing out a tendency to mention age when logic is lacking. This situation illustrates unnecessary hierarchy disputes occurring within the National Assembly. The remarks at the time blatantly revealed an intention to assert a senior-junior relationship, even bringing up the 'transfer ceremony'.

A truth battle erupted over the failed discussions to schedule a meeting between Cheong Wa Dae and the Chief Justice. Noh Gyeong-pil, Head of Court Administration, stated that discussions with the Chief Secretary for Civil Affairs did not materialize, but Seong Gi-yong, Cheong Wa Dae's Chief Press Secretary, refuted Noh Gyeong-pil's statement as false. Cheong Wa Dae's refusal to provide specific facts and only sticking to the 'not true' stance is fueling the controversy.

Representative Park Seong-joon calling Noh Gyeong-pil, Head of Court Administration, a 'collaborator' sparked controversy. The panelist criticized the choice of the word 'collaborator' as historically inappropriate and merely criticism for criticism's sake. Questions were raised about using the term 'collaborator' without specific evidence of what Noh Gyeong-pil collaborated on.

Representative Young Kim, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific, personally delivered a letter to Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Kang Kyung-wha, urging the lifting of the travel ban on former Ambassador Morse. Representative Young Kim stated that such a measure could violate the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects freedom of speech. The letter requests that the Lee Jae-myung administration lift the travel ban on former Ambassador Morse and allow him to return home. This letter is expected to serve as diplomatic pressure.

Amid criticism of the recurring practice of unqualified 'parked' appointments during regime changes, the introduction of a US-style 'Plum Book' system has been proposed. The 'Plum Book' is a system where key political appointees resign en masse when the government changes, and the new administration makes new appointments. It is argued that this can reduce political chaos and enhance the efficiency of state administration.

The government's housing improvement plan for gosiwons (cram school dormitories), which included allowing bathtubs, has been met with strong criticism as unrealistic and a product of 'desk administration.' Following numerous critiques that bathtub installation is physically impossible or impractical given the gosiwon environment, the government has begun re-evaluating the policy. Those who actually visited gosiwons pointed out that bathtub installation is unrealistic due to space constraints.

Concerns about security are growing after it was confirmed that the ROK-U.S. joint Marine Corps 'Ssangyong' exercise, scheduled for September, has been canceled. The Ssangyong exercise has the character of aggressive defensive training, including striking the presidential palace. Experts point out that the suspension of such training could be interpreted as a favorable signal to North Korea and potentially negatively impact security on the Korean Peninsula. The cancellation of this exercise is analyzed as possibly leading to a weakening of the combined defense posture.

Warnings that the U.S. Patriot missile stockpile has fallen to dangerous levels are raising concerns about the impact on South Korean security. The situation of Israel's defensive missile shortage was mentioned, and the possibility that some Patriot missile quantities deployed in South Korea could be diverted to Iran or other regions was also raised. It is pointed out that a shortage of air defense weapon systems could lead to a weakening of defense capabilities against North Korea, thus requiring serious consideration of a security gap for South Korea. The fact that Patriot missile production takes more than two years was also cited as a problem.

It has been argued that the current administration will not last beyond next year, accompanied by an analysis of the industrial economic crisis. Critics suggest that the government has unleashed policies that are destroying the economy in just 100 days, particularly noting signs of crisis even in the semiconductor industry. This is also negatively affecting the stock market, and criticisms continue that the government's economic policy failures are severely damaging the overall national economy.

Minister of Justice Jung Seong-ho's absence from the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee while on sick leave has sparked controversy. His non-attendance, despite the committee meeting being scheduled, was criticized as an evasion of responsibility. Regarding the issue of abolishing investigative powers, which has devolved into a political bargaining chip for the party convention, it was argued that Minister Jung abandoned the public to appease strong supporters. Some also suggested that he is seen as trying to escape a sinking ship.

Criticism has arisen regarding rumors that individuals who served as Lee Jae-myung's lawyers in the Daejang-dong case are being considered for the position of Minister of Justice. It was argued that what Lee Jae-myung desires is the withdrawal of charges, and if figures like Park Kyun-taek or Lee Geon-tae become Minister of Justice and pursue such a withdrawal, they could face punishment later through a special prosecutor or a change of government. This is interpreted as Lee Jae-myung attempting to use associates as a means to defend against his judicial risks. Concerns are growing that such moves could undermine the rule of law.

Analysis suggests that Lee Jae-myung is actively attempting to defend against his judicial risks, including appointing close associates as Minister of Justice. Criticism was raised that the public will not forgive his actions of trying to make his Daejang-dong lawyer the Minister of Justice and attempting to withdraw charges. Furthermore, it was predicted that the operation of such a judicial defense mechanism could lead to worsening relations with the pro-Roh and pro-Moon factions and the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, and if Lee Jae-myung's judicial risks materialize, a significant division will occur within the Democratic Party. Criticism followed that Lee Jae-myung is doing nothing well, yet engages in such acts to absolve himself of his crimes.

Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik sparked controversy by stating that the government's tax reform plan is not a decided policy but a starting point for hearing public opinion. This statement was criticized for diminishing the gravity of policy announcements and for indicating a lack of consistency in state administration. It was pointed out that giving the impression that government policies are announced without sufficient discussion and then undergo a public consultation process again increases public confusion. Concerns were also raised that this approach could erode policy credibility.

Projections suggest that Lee Jae-myung's declining approval rating will continue. The failure of real estate policies was pointed out as a key factor in the breakdown of support across all generations, and analysis indicates that the method of covering up shortcomings by blaming the previous administration for the past year has reached its limit. It is argued that the current drop in approval rating is not a temporary phenomenon but the starting point of a long-term decline. The debater criticized Lee Jae-myung for consistently blaming the previous administration despite his own lack of ability.

Kim Gi-eung claimed that in a Gallup poll, the approval rating for the Seoul area dropped by 10 percentage points, from 42% to 32%. Additionally, it was mentioned that several other polls, including Korea Research, showed overall approval ratings falling to the 30s. These figures were presented as important indicators of recent shifts in political approval ratings.

Participants offered diverse views on utilizing advice from former presidents. Participants Lee Yoon-kyu and Park Sang-hyun argued that Lee Jae-myung should meet with President Moon Jae-in to receive 'mirror therapy' or 'taste the bad' for advice. Conversely, participants Park Min-young and Choi Jae emphasized that since Lee Jae-myung would not listen to a conservative president anyway, he should meet with former President Roh Moo-hyun, who is of the same lineage, to seek advice on changing the direction of state administration. This highlights contrasting perspectives on whose advice Lee Jae-myung should heed in governing the country.

The jury expressed regret that the participants remained within the confines of existing conservative viewpoints. While it was an opportunity to broaden perspectives at the point where differing opinions clashed, it was difficult to hear fresh arguments on each issue. They added that all participants were highly capable, but the difference in skill was minimal.

It was argued that while the younger generation has always been sidelined in Korean politics, now the 30s and 40s are truly emerging as the mainstream and must bring new changes to conservative politics. The host evaluated that the 30s and 40s surpass veteran lawmakers in their ability to fight the opposition and deliver messages. Pointing out that current veteran lawmakers have little presence when considering their roles, the need to nurture young leaders and expand youth-centered broadcasts for a new change in Korean conservative politics was emphasized.

Discussions on the direct election of the People Power Party's district committee chairpersons by party members were postponed and not brought before the Supreme Council. Senior Spokesperson Park Seong-hoon stated that while there was a prior plan to bring it up, it was deferred to gather more opinions from Supreme Council members and lawmakers. This attempt to bring the agenda item forward was not rejected but will be discussed and voted on again at the Supreme Council meeting on Thursday, the 27th, after additional opinion gathering. This is interpreted as a process for internal democratic procedures and broader opinion reflection within the party.